Mykola Hohol – as Nikolas likes to introduce himself in Ukraine – came from France, but was born in England in a family of ethnic Ukrainians who fled persecution by the Soviet authorities after the Second World War. The Ukrainian language and culture have been native to him since childhood. Therefore, from the first days of the full-scale invasion, instead of a quiet retirement, the 76-year-old man chose to volunteer – he left his home by the sea and moved to Ukraine.

Nikolas delivers humanitarian aid and medicines himself, raises funds, drives the necessary transport, and when not on the road, he teaches English to internally displaced people.

“I could have stayed at home in France,” he says, “and cried for Ukraine, sending a little money. But it was not enough for me. My heart and soul are Ukrainian, so I need to be here.”